NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Buckle Assembly
3370.2%
Switch
510.6%
Anchorage
36.4%
Rear/Other
24.3%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
12.1%
AIR Conditioner
12.1%
Catalytic Convertor
12.1%
Wheel Bearing
12.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1995peak 7May 2001
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Ford Festiva
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE95013Opened 23 Feb 1995Closed 28 Jul 1995SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION
PE90083Opened 25 May 1990Closed 27 Sep 1990SEATS
SEAT SEPARATION
PE89139Opened 6 Jul 1989Closed 31 Oct 1989SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
REAR SAFETY BELT
===
Recalls on the 1989 Ford Festiva
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
96E017000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM MANUFACTURED BY MOOG INDUSTRIES. DUE TO MISPACKAGING, CERTAIN BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WERE INCORRECTLY PLACED IN THE WRONG BOXES.
Risk: THESE BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WILL NOT FIT INTO THE FRAME RECESS WITHOUT BEING ALTERED. ALSO THE STUD IS UNDERSIZED AND WILL NOT FIT THE SPINDLE PROPERLY POSSIBLY CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
95V103011
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199510619,615 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
DEFECT: THE (Takata) ABS PLASTIC FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTONS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BREAK ALLOWING PLASTIC PIECES TO FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN, A NO LATCH, FALSE LATCH OR FAILURE TO UNLATCH CONDITION COULD OCCUR CREATING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR SUDDEN STOP. CORRECTION: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AS NECESSARY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Portland, ORFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WIRING HELD IN AN UNPADDED CLAMP, WHICH RUBBED OFF INSULATION OVER TIME, RESULTED IN A FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS (LUCKILY) IN FOR OTHER REPAIRS. THE PARTS SUPPLIER MENTIONED THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO A FRIEND OF HIS, BUT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED, AND CAUSED EVEN MORE DAMAGE. THE FIRE STARTED RIGHT UNDER THE CARBURATOR - A SCOURCE OF GASOLINE - AND THEREFORE I CONSIDER THIS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WIRE INSULATION WEARS OFF AND A SHORT CAUSES A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #728999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE LIGHTING SYSTEM SHORTED OUT, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #853379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATS AND SMOKES. BLOWER FAN ALSO QUITS AT FREQUENT INTERVALS. SMOKE CAME UP OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AT ONE POINT. THERE IS A PERSISTANT PROBLEM WITH THIS WHEN I TRY TO RUN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED WITH A NEW UPDATED SWITCH BEFORE IT BURNS MY CAR AND HOUSE UP. MY FORD DEALERSHIP IS NOT THE FRIENDLY KIND THAT WANTS TO LISTEN TO YOUR PROBLEMS. SO PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS.
NHTSA complaint #702521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATS AND SMOKES. BLOWER FAN ALSO QUITS AT FREQUENT INTERVALS. SMOKE CAME UP OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AT ONE POINT. THERE IS A PERSISTANT PROBLEM WITH THIS WHEN I TRY TO RUN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED WITH A NEW UPDATED SWITCH BEFORE IT BURNS MY CAR AND HOUSE UP. MY FORD DEALERSHIP IS NOT THE FRIENDLY KIND THAT WANTS TO LISTEN TO YOUR PROBLEMS. SO PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS.
NHTSA complaint #702521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CACrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION AND THE DRIVER,S SIDE SHOULDER BELT SNAPPED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #807550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barrington, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #504302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
LAS Vegas, NV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE JUST STOPPED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER SAID THAT VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISE, THEN IT JUST QUIT.
NHTSA complaint #888873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WIRING HELD IN AN UNPADDED CLAMP, WHICH RUBBED OFF INSULATION OVER TIME, RESULTED IN A FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS (LUCKILY) IN FOR OTHER REPAIRS. THE PARTS SUPPLIER MENTIONED THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO A FRIEND OF HIS, BUT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED, AND CAUSED EVEN MORE DAMAGE. THE FIRE STARTED RIGHT UNDER THE CARBURATOR - A SCOURCE OF GASOLINE - AND THEREFORE I CONSIDER THIS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WIRE INSULATION WEARS OFF AND A SHORT CAUSES A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #728999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE LIGHTING SYSTEM SHORTED OUT, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #853379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATS AND SMOKES. BLOWER FAN ALSO QUITS AT FREQUENT INTERVALS. SMOKE CAME UP OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AT ONE POINT. THERE IS A PERSISTANT PROBLEM WITH THIS WHEN I TRY TO RUN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED WITH A NEW UPDATED SWITCH BEFORE IT BURNS MY CAR AND HOUSE UP. MY FORD DEALERSHIP IS NOT THE FRIENDLY KIND THAT WANTS TO LISTEN TO YOUR PROBLEMS. SO PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS.
NHTSA complaint #702521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATS AND SMOKES. BLOWER FAN ALSO QUITS AT FREQUENT INTERVALS. SMOKE CAME UP OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AT ONE POINT. THERE IS A PERSISTANT PROBLEM WITH THIS WHEN I TRY TO RUN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED WITH A NEW UPDATED SWITCH BEFORE IT BURNS MY CAR AND HOUSE UP. MY FORD DEALERSHIP IS NOT THE FRIENDLY KIND THAT WANTS TO LISTEN TO YOUR PROBLEMS. SO PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS.
NHTSA complaint #702521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St.louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #538890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St.louis, MO
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT RECALL WORK DENIED DUE TO ORIGINAL INSPECTION REVEALING NO PROBLEM WITH BUCKLES, AFTER INSPECTION BUCKLES FAILED. (QCAW)
NHTSA complaint #538890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honolulu, HI
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE REAR SEATBELTS ARE JAMMED AND RED RELEASE BUTTON IS BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #540287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTON CRUMBLED, DEPOSITING FRAGMENTS AND JAMMING THE LOCKING MECHANISM.
NHTSA complaint #517041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wharncliff, WV
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #504178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stuart, VA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE SEAT BELT RECALL, AND DEALER ORDERED THE WRONG BUCKLES. NOW CONSUMER HAS TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER WEEK OR MORE BEFORE DEALER COULD ORDER THE RIGHT BUCKLES.
NHTSA complaint #809802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CACrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION AND THE DRIVER,S SIDE SHOULDER BELT SNAPPED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #807550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
SHORT IN IGNITION SWITCH CAUSES BLOWER MOTOR TO QUIT INTERMITTENTLY, ALSO SMOKES OCCASIONALLY.
NHTSA complaint #507118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
WHEEL BEARING AXLE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #601950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bremerton, WA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #505299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTON CRUMBLED, JAMMING THE LOCKING MECHANISM PRIOR TO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #505396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, VA
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
THE REAR LAP BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE. THEY ARE LOCKED IN PLACE, CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO PULL THEM OUT IN ORDER TO FASTEN A PASSENGER.
NHTSA complaint #803669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DIFFICULTY GETTING SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIRS DONE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #504619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ames, IA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTON BROKE PRIOR TO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #504637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truth OR Consequence, NM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
#95V103011, RECEIVED RECALL ON THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE, BROUGHT CAR IN AND DEALER DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE .
NHTSA complaint #801749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, MN
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
OWNER BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TWICE TO REMEDY RECALL, FIRST DLR HAD NO PARTS, SECOND DLR ORDERED WRONG PART, DRIVERS' BELT BUCKLE BROKE, DLR WON'T GIVE LOANER.
NHTSA complaint #987061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorvill, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS BROKE PRIOR TO RECALL. (95V103011)
NHTSA complaint #502282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenburnie, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
RECALL 954103011- WHEN MR. OUTLAW GOT THE VEHICLE BACK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE STILL WASN'T OPERATING CORRECTLY.
NHTSA complaint #986768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whiteman AFB, MO
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE DEALERSHIP HAS TAKEN TWO MONTHS TO ORDER THE SEATBELT PARTS. THEY STILL HAVE NOT ORDERED IT. RECALL 96V071000.
NHTSA complaint #986642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT. Mccoy, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
PART NOT AVAILABLE. DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL HAVE IT. CONTACTED (3) TIMES, 5/24,96, 6/14,96 & 7/8/96. SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL 95V103011. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #986562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.